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Lester Pearson: Politician and Public Servant Who Gave Canada a New Flag

Jett Powell

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Published in Lester B Pearson Politician And Public Servant Who Gave Canada A New Flag Canadian History For Kids True Canadian Heroes

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Lester Bowles Pearson was a Canadian politician and diplomat who served as the 12th Prime Minister of Canada from 1963 to 1968. He is best known for his role in the creation of the Canadian flag and his work as a peacekeeper in the United Nations.

Lester B. Pearson - Politician and Public Servant Who Gave Canada A New Flag | Canadian History for Kids | True Canadian Heroes

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Pearson was born on April 23, 1897, in Newtonbrook, Ontario. He studied at the University of Toronto and Oxford University. After graduating from Oxford, he returned to Canada and worked as a history professor at the University of Toronto.

In 1942, Pearson joined the Canadian Department of External Affairs. He quickly rose through the ranks, and in 1948, he was appointed Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs. In this role, he played a key role in the development of Canada's foreign policy.

In 1952, Pearson was appointed Canada's ambassador to the United States. He served in this role until 1957, when he was appointed Canada's Minister of External Affairs. As Minister of External Affairs, Pearson played a leading role in the creation of the United Nations peacekeeping force. He also helped to negotiate the end of the Suez Crisis in 1956.

In 1963, Pearson was elected Prime Minister of Canada. One of his first acts as Prime Minister was to appoint a committee to design a new Canadian flag. The committee's design, which featured a red maple leaf on a white background, was approved by Parliament in 1965.

Pearson also played a key role in the development of Canada's social welfare programs. He introduced Medicare, which provides universal health care to all Canadians. He also expanded the Canada Pension Plan and created the Guaranteed Income Supplement for low-income seniors.

In 1968, Pearson retired from politics. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for his work as a peacekeeper. He died on December 27, 1972.

Legacy

Lester Pearson is considered one of Canada's greatest prime ministers. He is remembered for his role in the creation of the Canadian flag, his work as a peacekeeper, and his commitment to social welfare.

The Lester B. Pearson School of International Affairs at the University of Toronto is named in his honor.